Help is always here - you only have to ask us
It doesn’t matter whether the donation is a tin of beans or a cheque for hundreds of pounds, volunteers at Crieff Community Foodbank appreciate every contribution equally.
Foodbank manager Tina McRorie said she was thankful for the spate of recent donations which would ensure those most in need wouldn’t go hungry.
“Every donation means just as much as the others and we are so grateful that people think about us,” she told the Herald.
And Tina, who knows how hard it can be for some, said that people shouldn’t be ashamed of asking for help.
She added: “This year has been one of the toughest years for people, with jobs lost, hours cut and financial difficulties.
“We at the food bank want to reassure people that no matter what your circumstances if you need a helping hand with food then you must never feel awkward in asking for help.
“I still hear people say they feel they can’t come as they are too embarrassed, they feel they shouldn’t ask or don’t deserve.
“Before I started to volunteer at the food bank my family found themselves in a position of having to choose to feed ourselves or keep a roof over our head.
“I too was worried about asking for help from a food bank but I needn’t have been worried.
“I was met with kindness and compassion at all levels.”
And now Tina is making a difference to the lives of others.
She continued: “People who run food banks do so to help people like us - ordinary people needing a helping hand.
“I’m proud to be part of an amazing and caring team of people and years on I now run the food bank and devote much of my life to helping people I meet in any tiny way I can.
“We are a team of loving and caring people. We will never judge you or make you feel awkward.
“If I had not needed food I would never have become part of the food bank, let alone be running it, and through my work at this I’ve made some amazing friends, met lovely people and most of all I’ve been able to make sure nobody asking for help goes hungry.
“We have plenty of food. Let’s make sure hunger isn’t on the list of problems.
“Check in with your neighbours, friends, elderly people of the community and let’s make sure together everybody is fed and safe.”
Crieff Community Foodbank’s new hours will be Monday and Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, and Friday mornings, from the first Wednesday in January.
Referals need to be made by a relevant agency or by calling the Perth and Kinross Council Helpline on 03453011100.